Cognitive behavior therapy for negative body image in obese women

Negative body image is a major concern of overweight persons, yet current obesity treatment programs have not addressed this problem. In the present study, 51 obese women were randomly assigned to cognitive behavioral body image therapy (CBT) or no-treatment. Patients were treated in small groups for 8 two-hour sessions. Therapy included information to challenge negative stereotypes of obesity, modification of intrusive thoughts of body dissatisfaction and overvalued beliefs about physical appearance, exposure to avoided body image situations, and elimination of body checking. No assistance was provided to change eating or exercise behaviors. CBT subjects showed significantly improved body image. Psychological symptoms, self-esteem, overeating, and eating guilt also improved. Weight was unchanged for most subjects and unrelated to treatment outcome overall.